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Changing Behaviour

3. Changing Behaviour. Introduction. Cutting energy use vital to fighting climate change. Everybody’s concern – energy impacts every aspect of our lives. BUT we take energy for granted. To become more energy efficient, we need to break habits.

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Changing Behaviour

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  1. 3 Changing Behaviour Changing Behaviour

  2. Introduction • Cutting energy use vital to fighting climate change. • Everybody’s concern – energy impacts every aspect of our lives. • BUT we take energy for granted. • To become more energy efficient, we need to break habits. • Large potential for energy savings – vastly more efficient appliances available, yet household energy use going up with ever more appliances and electronic gadgets. • Other benefits in cutting energy use – security of supply. Supplies of oil and gas are finite. Changing Behaviour

  3. What is the EU doing? • Energy efficiency action plan (2006) stresses “behavioural change”. • Intelligent Energy Europe II (2007-2013) funds projects such as BEHAVE (Evaluation of Energy Behavioural Change Programmes). • Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (2005-2008) organises awareness-raising actions – energy days around Europe and public information. http://ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/citizen_en.htm • ManagEnergy Case studies – transferable to different regions. Services for local energy agencies. Network of energy organisations – joint projects (EU co-funding). • European Union institutions need to practice what they preach – EU Commission buildings being EMAS certified. Changing Behaviour

  4. Change starts at home • The home is the most important place for energy efficiency – accounts for large part of personal energy consumption. • Big potential for greater energy saving. • Habits and attitudes should change – only use lights and heating when needed. • Air conditioning only when essential – really hot climates, bedrooms, nurseries. Alternatives such as ventilation and small fans use a fraction of the electricity. • Many people unaware of power used in standby mode – up to half of the total energy used by appliances. • Switching off appliances completely could save several large power station’s worth of electricity over the entire EU population. • Turning central heating down by 1ºC can save up to 10% of energy bill. • More efficient products and appliances are already available. E.g. CFL and LED lightbulbs. Changing Behaviour

  5. Raising awareness • Consumers need better information about energy efficiency. The more people know, the more likely they are to change. • Campaigns can target the general public, businesses or schools. • Children are important because they are the energy users of the future. • Transport and more energy efficient products are key. People need to know about cost benefits. E.g. CFL lightbulbs – higher price is quickly written off by 80% saving in energy use. • Public authorities can lead the way and stimulate market for greener products. Actions: -refurbishing public buildings -installing efficient equipment -informing public about the changes they make and benefits -energy efficient public vehicles – make visible -efficiency criteria in public procurement -information campaigns Changing Behaviour

  6. Good practice 1: Campaign Energy Awareness Week 2004, Meath, Ireland • Run by Meath Energy Management Agency (MEMA). • Activities: school visits, information displays, competitions, car free day, free energy-saving light bulbs, ‘walking bus’ schemes for schools. • Widespread media attention. • Big increase in requests for information from local energy agencies. • Key to success: planning, close relationship with media, involvement of local businesses and celebrities, competitions and prizes. • More information: memainfo@meathcoco.ie Changing Behaviour

  7. Taking energy to the public • “Energy days” – public events to showcase sustainable energy technologies and changes that are practical and cost effective. • Organisers: public authorities or private companies. • Can include on-site guided visits, tours, educational activities, open days, exhibitions and fairs, project/building inaugurations. • Coverage in local press important. • Recommended that local/regional authority is lead organiser. • Good to find companies as sponsors. Changing Behaviour

  8. Good Practice 2: Energy day in Genappe (Belgium) • Organised by regional authorities of Wallonia to raise awareness of energy saving, especially in transport in the Brabant region. • Targets: public, public authorities (schools, local authorities), private companies, commercial sector (architects, heating industry, tradespeople, ‘white goods’ suppliers). • Activities: exhibition of energy-saving products, conferences, educational activities, exhibition of schools’ projects and an energy rally (with biofuel- powered vehicles). Changing Behaviour

  9. What is ManagEnergy? • Initiative by European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport • Supports local and regional actions on energy efficiency and renewable energies • Training workshops/online events • Information on case studies, good practices, legislation and programmes • Network of local and regional energy agencies (LEAs) Changing Behaviour

  10. More information? • www.managenergy.net Changing Behaviour

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